Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurveda. This medicinal herb has many medicinal uses.
Here are the health benefits of Ashwagandha:
- Ashwagandha can relieve stress and anxiety. It helps reduce cortisol level, which leads to stress. It also can control chemical signalling in the nervous system and ease the symptoms of neural disorders. It improves concentration and increases energy levels in the body.
- It has anti-cancer properties and can induce the death of cancer cells. The withaferin compound of ashwagandha can promote the death of tumour cells and thereby fight against different types of cancers. Some studies showed that ashwagandha could efficiently fight against certain types of cancer. When the extracts of this herb are given to people, they controlled the activity of cancer cells in breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, lung, and brain cancers. It may also ease the side effects of cancer treatment like a weak immune system.
- Some in vitro studies revealed that ashwagandha could lower blood sugar levels. It can increase insulin secretion in the body.
- It can also ease the symptoms of depression. However, only limited sources are available on this; more studies are essential to conclude the results.
- Ashwagandha eases arthritis-related symptoms and pain. It also can prevent rheumatoid arthritis and control inflammation.
- It can control neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc.
- Some studies found that ashwagandha can improve sperm count and quality. They showed a significant increase in testosterone levels and sperm motility. It also showed a positive effect on male fertility. It also can improve antioxidants in the blood.
- It can also lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body and thereby cardiovascular diseases. Few past studies indicated consumption of ashwagandha led to a significant reduction in blood fats.
- Due to its power to fight against free radicals, it can improve brain function, memory and cognitive abilities. It can also lower oxidative stress.
- The triethylene glycol component in ashwagandha can induce sleep and treat insomnia.
If you are a pregnant woman or suffering from any health conditions, talk to your physician before consuming ashwagandha.
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Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Withania_somnifera.jpg
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